Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue in young patients: a matched-pair analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: Young patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral tongue developed fewer locoregional recurrences. The overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were better in the young patient population.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the survival rates of patients under 45 years of age and diagnosed with SCC of the oral tongue with those of patients older than 45 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 20 patients under 45 years of age with SCC of the oral tongue was performed. These patients were matched to an older population by sex and clinical stage. Overall survival, disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, and rates of local, regional and distant metastases were determined for both populations.

RESULTS: Stage and treatment modality were similar in the two age groups. There were significant differences in overall survival (p=0.013) and disease-specific survival (p=0.046) favoring young patients. Rates of locoregional recurrence and distant metastasis were higher in the older patients.